The Indiana Pacers host a New Year’s Eve matinee Tuesday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pacers (16-17) had quite a weekend in Boston, getting blown out one game and putting together a solid victory two days later. Seven Pacers average double-figure scoring. Jarace Walker has gotten more playing time in the wake of Obi Toppin’s ankle injury, and he has taken advantage (13.0 points, 50% shooting in the past three games).
The Bucks (16-14) have lost two straight games, but they won six of seven before that. Milwaukee hasn’t been at full strength, between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo illnesses. The Bucks make 39% of their 3-pointers (No. 2 in the NBA) and defend well (opponents shoot 44.9% from the field, No. 4).
Milwaukee beat visiting Indiana 129-117 on Nov. 22 behind Antetokounmpo’s 37 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
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‘A mindset shift’:Why Haliburton changed to score 31 points and beat the Celtics
Pacers-Bucks prediction, picks
Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Bucks 125-117
Antetokounmpo, when healthy, is playing at an MVP level, and the Bucks have shown a lot of motivation to beat the Pacers this season after losing to them in the playoffs last year. The Pacers are better equipped to pull off an upset with Andrew Nembhard making a dramatic difference these days, but they still don’t have a defensive answer for Antetokounmpo when he’s on. Sunday’s win over Boston was critical for Indiana, but it will have a hard time stringing two together.
Bucks-Pacers odds
ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Bucks a 52.1% chance of winning.
Pacers vs Bucks injury updates
Pacers: Obi Toppin (ankle) is questionable. Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) and James Wiseman (Achilles) are out.
Bucks: A.J. Green (calf) and Khris Middleton (ankle) are probable. Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) is questionable. A.J .Johnson, Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith (G League) are out.
Pacers projected starting lineup
(with season averages)
Bucks projected starting lineup
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 blocked shots)
- Damian Lillard (25.9 points, 36.9% 3-pointers, 7.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds)
- Brook Lopez (12.3 points, 37.8% 3-pointers, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 blocked shots)
- Khris Middleton (13.7 points, 48.6% 3-pointers, 5.3 assists)
- Taurean Prince (7.5 points, 46.4% 3-pointers, 4.0 rebounds)
What channel are Pacers on today?
3 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, on FanDuel Sports Network, with Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analysis) and Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporting).
How to watch Pacers for free on live stream
Watch games on FanDuel Sports Network and ESPN with Fubo. Watch games on TNT with Sling TV.
How to listen to the Pacers
93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Mark Boyle. Streaming on SiriusXM channels 86 and 891.
Pacers schedule
Dec. 27: Celtics 142, Pacers 105
Dec. 29: Pacers 123, Celtics 114
Tues., Dec. 31: vs. Milwaukee, 3 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 2: at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 4: vs. Phoenix, 7 p.m.
Bucks schedule
Dec. 26: Nets 111, Bucks 105
Dec. 28: Bulls 116, Bucks 111
Tues., Dec. 31: at Indiana, 3 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 2: vs. Brooklyn, 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 4: vs. Portland, 8 p.m.
The Indiana Pacers will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 31, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two Eastern Conference powerhouses. As the game approaches, let’s take a look at the betting odds, predictions, TV schedule, and possible lineups for this highly anticipated game.
Betting Odds:
According to leading sportsbooks, the Milwaukee Bucks are currently favored to win this game, with odds of -150. The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, are the underdogs with odds of +130. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 220.5.
Prediction:
The Bucks are coming into this game with a strong roster led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Pacers have been struggling to find consistency this season. However, the Pacers have the talent to pull off an upset, especially if players like Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis step up. In the end, we predict a close game, with the Bucks narrowly edging out the Pacers.
TV Schedule:
The game will be broadcasted on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET, so make sure to tune in to catch all the action live.
Possible Lineups:
Indiana Pacers:
– Malcolm Brogdon
– Buddy Hield
– Chris Duarte
– Domantas Sabonis
– Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks:
– Jrue Holiday
– Grayson Allen
– Khris Middleton
– Giannis Antetokounmpo
– Brook Lopez
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a thrilling game between the Pacers and Bucks on December 31st. Place your bets, set your reminders, and get ready for some top-tier NBA action!
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